GENETIC EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDY OF IDIOPATHIC TALIPES EQUINOVARUS

Previous genetic studies of idiopathic talipes equinovarus (ITEV) sugg est an environmental and genetic component to the etiology of ITEV. Th e present study was undertaken to assess the role of causal factors in the development of ITEV. A total of 285 propositi were ascertained, w ith detailed family history information available in 173 cases and med ical records on the remaining 112 propositi. Information was collected on specific prenatal, parental, and demographic factors. No racial he terogeneity was noted among any of the factors. The overall ratio of a ffected males to females was 2.5:1. The incidence of twinning among al l propositi was significantly increased (P = 0.006) above the expected population frequency. A family history of ITEV was noted in 24.4% of all propositi studied. These findings, in addition to the detailed ana lysis of 53 pedigrees with ITEV history, suggest the potential role of a gene or genes operating in highrisk families to produce this foot d eformity. Am. J. Med. Genet. 79:90-96, 1998. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.